Wylie Connection Magazine Feb/Mar 2012

Bryan Brokaw Financial Advisor

THE BUSINESS ISSUE February/March 2012

“Meet the Professionals” Please Recycle This Magazine After Reading!

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WYLIE, TX PERMIT# 63

• Flooring - carpet, wood, laminates and tile

• Cabinets • Home Theater • Closet Organization • Counter-tops

Taylor and Son is a third generation, family owned business dedicated to building your dreams. Quality, character, and integrity are more than mere words – they are the criteria of every decision. With nearly fifty years of experience in the home building industry Taylor and Son is perfectly situated to meet your building or home make-over needs. Whether you are dreaming of a mansion or carpet for your den, Taylor and Son is committed to building your dreams.

Right now! Dream about those transformed areas of your home. The smell of cookies from that new kitchen. The comfort and pampering you experience in the master bath retreat. The warmth of wood floors. The beauty of granite countertops.

Are you getting that kid in a candy store feeling?

Those dreams have been there for a long time. A kitchen that welcomes and serves. Eating popcorn with the family in the home theater. Walking into closets where function and beauty coexist. Carpet in the den so soft you don’t need a pillow.

You are on a mission to create something wonderful for yourself, your family and your home.

Why not start today? Before you know it, you will be living exactly what you dreamed. Stop by our showroom and see how Taylor and Son can build your dreams.

• Room Make-overs • Home Building

214-919-3200

403 S. Hwy. 78, Wylie, TX 75098

www.TaylorAndSonDFW.com

www.wyliechamber.org • 1

Working for Wylie • • • • • • • • •

Infrastructure Participation Relocation Grants Tax Abatement Waiver of Development Fees State of Texas Grant Programs Expedited Permitting Process Chapter 380 Agreement Sales Tax Rebate Program Industrial Revenue Bonds

Wylie Economic Development CO R P O R AT I O N

Contact the WEDC office to discuss how we can assist you in your business development, relocation or expansion.

972.442.7901 | www.wylieedc.com

“I’ve had pizza all over the world - New York, Chicago, even Italy - and none of it has been any better than Mogio’s!”

st Pizza ~ 3rd Year Running! ed Be t o V WE DELIVER!

SPECIALS LUNCH

Mon - Fri 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Pizza • Pasta • Calzone • Stromboli • Buffalo Wings • Sandwiches • Salads • Soups

Includes a Salad

5th Anniversary Sale EAT FREE ON TUESDAY

1 Per Each Adult Purchase Dine In Only Valid thru3/31/12 Not valid with manager’s special.

Not valid with any other coupon or special.

www.mogiospizza.com

158 W FM 544, Suite 132 - Murphy, TX

BYOB

KIDS

972-423-8100

2 FOR 1

Buy any size pizza at regular menu price & get the 2nd one of equal or lesser value free.

Not Valid on Delivery

Valid thru 3/31/12 Not valid with manager’s special.

Not valid with any other coupon or special.

2 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

2 Mediums $14.99+ tax 2 Topping Pizzas

Dine in, Carry Out or Delivery Valid thru 3/31/12 Not valid with manager’s special.

Not valid with any other coupon or special.

s Low Carb & t Pizza a Whole Whe

NEW

Gluton Free

Crust Available!

• Lunch Pizza (up to 3 toppings) • Any Sandwich With Chips • Any Pasta with Cheese Bread • Lunch Calzone or Stromboli • Soup, Salad & Bread to 3 • LUNCH 1 Topping Pizza • • •(up $3.99 stuffings) Try our Manager’s Specials

All Day, Every Day! Visit our Rockwall Location

3084 N. Goliad 972-722-4866

Sun - Thur:

11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Fri & Sat:

11 a.m. - 1 1 p.m.

WESTGATE DENTAL CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES

Dedicated

To Your Oral Health

Dr. Nathan Muaina Dr. Nathan Muaina received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio after completing his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University, where he studied Spanish.

Upon completion of his predoctoral education, Dr. Muaina continued his training by completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. During his residency, he received advanced training in implant dentistry as well as full mouth reconstructions and is also certified in the Invisalign procedure. Dr. Muaina maintains associations in many national and local organizations such as the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Texas Dental Association.

When not in the office, Dr. Muaina loves to spend time with his wife Bridgette and their two boys Devin and Ty. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys reading, fishing, traveling, and going to the movies. He is an active member in his church and community.

972.429.4311

Providing

Gentle Dental Care

Creating

Beautiful Natural Results

New Patient Special: $50 OFF Any Procedure Ask our office manager for details!

www.mywyliedentist.com

520 W. Brown Street, Suite A, Wylie, TX 75098

www.wyliechamber.org • 3

On The Cover

February/March 2012 • Volume 7 - Issue 1

Happy Valentine’s

Day!

PROFILE OF SUCCESS

BRYAN C. BROKAW - Financial Advisor Edward Jones Investments

8

FEATURE ARTICLE 10 |

STRONGER TOGETHER Wylie EDC, Sachse EDC & Murphy MDD

PROFESSIONAL PROFILES 1 |

TAYLOR & SON BUILDERS

3 |

WESTGATE DENTAL

6 |

BARBER’S INK BARBER SHOP

13 |

WYLIE EYE CENTER - TSO

14 |

CLARK BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICE

15 |

DANCE COMPANY OF WYLIE

Bryan C. Brokaw, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments.

16 | 17 |

22 |

JEANIE MARTEN - COLDWELL BANKER

24 |

MILLER LAW FIRM

25 |

WYLIE INSURANCE COMPANY

26 |

WYLIE KARATE

32 |

4 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

BALLARD SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

GATEWAY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Rob Hunter of Ballard School of Performing Arts.

WYLIE ORAL AND FACIAL SURGERY

18 |

28 |

17

Photo by Anne Hiney.

8 |

36 |

LAW OFFICE OF

DEBORAH MATERN, PC

RICK’S HOME STORE SLACKERS GRILL & GOODFELLAS PIZZA

972-442-6495

38 |

D’S ENTERPRISE AC & HEATING

39 |

SOCCERTOTS & LIL SLUGGERS

40 |

CHRISTY LEWIS

41 |

JAL DENNIS GROUP

RN On Staff!

20 |

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

34 |

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

44 |

!

rig ht F utu r e s

Give your children an educational advantage!

CONNECTIONS

B

Curbside Service Esco rt To & From Class!

Dennis & DeeDee Sukut of Wylie Karate.

CORNERSTONE Private School

26

43 |

S LittleThetars...

SMALL BUSINESS &

CAREER RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Our curriculum begins in our infant room and continues through Pre-K featuring foreign languages, music, music lessons for our school aged children, computer training, amazing athletes and Tiny Danzerz®.

Brown St. Birmingham

44

544

Ballard

FM

ve We serhy healt st, breakfa & lunch s! snack

8

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Hw

120 S. Birmingham - Wylie www.TheCornerstonePrivateSchool.com www.wyliechamber.org • 5

www.BarbersInkTX.com

There’s a New Barber in Town Hello All! My name is Victor Cruz and I’m the owner/operator at the coolest barbershop in Texas... Barber’s Ink! I have been in business for a year this April and plan on being here for a long time to come.

I had a great sales career prior to becoming a barber. After being a business professional for fifteen years, I found myself longing for the days when things were done with a handshake and a smile. Somewhere among all the emails, video conferences and legal contracts I felt we lost the human touch.

So, with that weighing on my mind, I looked for something that was about as simple as simple can get, and along came barbering. Rather than open shop in a big city with all of the fast moving happenings, I opened in a more friendly town, Wylie.

Having sat in many haircutting places that are in a hurry to get you in and out like cattle, I decided to go against the grain and offer quality rather than quantity.

When the idea came to open up Barber’s Ink, I had one goal in mind, besides haircutting, and that was building relationships.

I wanted a place where suits and ties are equal to jeans and T-shirts; a “come as you are” kind of place. When the decorating discussion came up, I wasn’t worried about the latest decor or trends. I wanted the customer to see and feel who I was as soon as they came in the door.

I wanted to slow time down for our customers, even if it’s only for 30-45 minutes. We want for that person in our chair to relax and let us know who they are while we are cutting their hair or giving them a good old fashion straight razor shave.

My barbershop has anything on the walls from Harley parts to tattoo art; there is always something that will grab your eye and spark conversation. We offer everything from men’s haircuts to full face shaves - a hot towel neck shave is always preformed after a haircut. Stop by, come in and see me, Johnathon or Terry. We will be more than happy to give you great conversation along with the best haircut and shave you can find!

Your future barber,

6 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

Vic

600 N. Hwy. 78 - Suite 622 Wylie, TX 75098

(Two doors down from Meteor Burger)

214-727-5942

A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication 250 S. Hwy. 78 | Wylie, TX 75098 Telephone: 972-442-2804 Fax: 972-429-0139 www.wyliechamber.org • info@wyliechamber.org

CHAMBER PRESIDENT

ADVISORY BOARD

Susan Dacus

Aimee Nemer

Monica Vehige

Tina Stelnicki

Craig Kelly

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mike Agnew

Becky Lindstrom Anne Hiney Jamie Engle

For information about advertising in The CONNECTION Magazine please contact Becky Lindstrom at 214•228•5844 or blindstrom@wyliechamber.org.

Story ideas should be submitted to Anne Hiney at theconnection.anne@mac.com.

The CONNECTION is published bimonthly by the Wylie Chamber of Commerce. It is mailed free of charge to over 31,000 households in the Wylie/Sachse/Murphy/Lavon area and more than 1,000 copies are distributed to local businesses. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements.

Information published in The CONNECTION is the opinion of the sourced authors. The Wylie Chamber of Commerce does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in The Connection magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors.

Happy 2012!!!

It is a new year in this ever-changing area of the county and the Connection is not immune from change. We continue our 6th year at a new time and with a bit of a new approach. If you haven’t noticed, you are receiving this issue a month later than in previous years due to a change in distribution dates. No, it hasn’t been that long since you checked the mail and we are not running late. We reviewed the last few years and decided to make a change.

We will now be on an every 2-month schedule starting in February rather than January, which means we are kicking off 2012 with a February/March issue and will end our 6-issue run with a December/January issue at the end of the year.

We feel this will more accurately line up with our themed issues this year (Spring, Summer, Back to School, Fall and Christmas) and better serve our advertisers and the community. We hope you like the new schedule and would love to get your feedback one way or the other. Just e-mail Anne (theconnection.anne@mac.com) with all of your comments!

The Lavon, Murphy, Sachse and Wylie area has grown against the economic tide in the last 3 years, and we thought it would be a great time to introduce you (or re-introduce you) to the many professional services that have come to town.

From doctors to lawyers, from the oldest business in Wylie to the newest in Murphy, and all professional points in-between, we would like to introduce you to the people who can take care of your needs right here in your backyard.

We hope this issue leads you to a new “Connection” in the area and will always strive to give you options that will help you “shop local”.

We are excited about taking on 2012 with you and hope we can be a part of a great year for everyone!

The “Profile of Success” cover photograph and feature article, as well as the “Prefessional Profiles”, are paid advertisements.

Just for fun, find the butterfly! Last issue we hid the butterfly on pages 23 & 30. This issue it’s back to only one for you to find!!

Occasionally we make a mistake. Let us know if you find one so we can correct it. We love your feedback - send comments to info@wyliechamber. org. Story ideas are always welcome and appreciated. Thanks for “Connecting” with us!

Wylie Chamber of Commerce • 250 S. Hwy. 78 • Wylie, TX 75098 Office: 972-442-2804 • Fax: 972-429-0139 info@wyliechamber.org • www.wyliechamber.org

Congratulations to Mrs. Jane Henry for being honored as the Wylie Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year - Mrs. Henry is pictured here with Mr. Raymond Cooper, supporting the Wylie Christian Care Center. www.wyliechamber.org • 7

Bryan Brokaw Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bryan Brokaw, and I am a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in historic Downtown Wylie. If I haven’t met you while out door-knocking, please consider this my invitation for you to stop by my office and introduce yourself.

To my knowledge, I am not related to former news anchor Tom Brokaw. I have a passion for educating people about investments and helping them achieve their financial goals. In my six years of advising clients, I have learned that each person has unique goals, and I pride myself in getting to know each client to provide a personalized strategy for their long-term financial goals.

I began working for Edward Jones in 2005 after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Abilene Christian University. Originally from Abilene, I moved to Wylie, TX in the Summer of 2008 and now serve clients from the convenient location of 119 North Ballard Avenue in Historic Downtown Wylie.

I currently reside in Wylie with my wife Jamie and our little girl, Brylee, who is one year old.

Outside of work, you can find me serving the community in several other capacities. I am currently the president of the Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork, a member and former president of the Wylie Wisecrackers Toastmasters Club, and I serve on the Board of Directors for the Wylie ISD Education Foundation. I serve as an ambassador for the Wylie Chamber of Commerce and was honored in 2009 at the annual Chamber banquet as the “Small Business of the Year.”

So how can I help you? I am a local resource ready to help you with various financial situations that have you

88 • •The The CONNECTION CONNECTION•February/March • February/March2012 2012

perplexed. Some questions that you may think about from time to time include: • Will I have enough money for retirement?

• Will I have enough money to send my kids to college?

• If something were to happen to me, would my family have enough money to continue their current lifestyle?

• What would happen if I needed to live in a long-term care facility?

• Will I run out of money?

These are questions that many people ask themselves every day and they present the perfect opportunity to stop by our office and ask me for help. I can answer the questions that are most important to you for your specific situation.

It is important to realize I’m here to help people from all walks of life. Too often, people think you have to be wealthy to have a financial advisor, but contributing to your retirement savings, college savings, or general savings is the perfect place to start.

Whether you are a student learning to live on your own, or you’re retired and need income, I will sit down with you to discuss various options for your situation. I will help you with IRAs, college savings plans, 401(k) rollovers, 403(b)s, life insurance, or longterm care insurance. We are conveniently located near you, and I would love the opportunity to meet face-to-face.

Regardless of your level of investing, I can help you navigate the overwhelming world of personal finance.

Once your financial strategy is determined, staying with it is the next important piece of the puzzle. I will meet with you on a regular basis to make sure your goals have not changed due to unexpected events in your life. We’ll talk about those changes and determine whether it makes sense to revise your plan.

All too often, people give up on their goals too early due to economic concerns, unforeseen emergencies, or impatience.

As an Edward Jones Advisor, I will work one on one with you to understand what your goals are before you invest your money. Working closely with you and your tax service provider, attorney, and other professionals, I can help determine the most appropriate financial strategy for you and your family. I will help you stay on course through the economic swings, so that you can focus on the swings that really matter. •

For information about any of the following investments or services, feel free to call our office at 972-429-4465.

• • • • • • • • •

You’re Invited … to join us at the next meeting of our coffee club.

Discussing current events, the economy and investing in a relaxed, informal setting is a great way to get to know one another.

Hosted by: Bryan Brokaw, Financial Advisor February 22, 2012 @ 10:00 a.m.

Shoemaker & Hardt 105 North Ballard Avenue Wylie, Texas

Certificates of Deposit (CDs) Mutual Funds U. S. Government Bonds Retirement Accounts (including IRAs) Municipal Bonds Corporate Bonds Fixed and Variable Annuities Saving, Spending and Borrowing Solutions Insurance

Bryan C. Brokaw

Financial Advisor

972-429-4465

119 N. Ballard Ave. Wylie, TX 75098

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

Feel free to bring a friend. Coffee and pastries are on us.

Please call 972-429-4465 to let us know you’re coming.

www.wyliechamber.org www.wyliechamber.org• • 99

STRONGER TOGETHER

Carlos Vigil - Sachse EDC, Kristen Roberts - Murphy MDD, and Sam Satterwhite - Wylie EDC

W

hen businesses are searching for a place to call home, they don’t only look at the demographics and potential growth of an individual city. They look at a trade area, including the surrounding cities. In our region, the trade area includes Wylie, Sachse and Murphy.

Each of the cities has an Economic Development Director who works with a citizens’ board to devise plans to bring new businesses to their city. Sam Satterwhite is the Wylie Economic Development Director; Carlos Vigil is the Sachse Director and Kristen Roberts is the Murphy Director.

The state of Texas defines which economic development projects can be undertaken by different types of economic development boards.

Wylie and Sachse have a Type A Economic Development Corporation that is funded by onehalf percent of the sales and use tax. Along with the

10 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

Type A, Wylie has a Type B Community Development Corporation, which focuses on community development projects such as parks and recreation. It is also funded by a half-percent of the sales and use tax. Sachse is a 4B Corporation only and receives half cent sales tax.

In the November election, Murphy dissolved its Type A board in favor of a Municipal Development District (MDD), which is also funded by one-half percent of the sales and use tax. Murphy still has a Type B CDC board.

“Economic Development Corporations are most effective in cities that are well positioned for an increase in heavy industrial or manufacturing, are situated in commercial corridors, or have enough available landmass and a ready workforce to attract large employers,” explained Roberts.

MDDs are more focused on economic and community development projects benefitting the local community and are allowed even more flexibility than CDCs. For example, if a community were to decide to become a meeting destination, an acceptable MDD project would allow for the construction of a convention center facility. Such a project would not be allowed in either the EDC or CDC. Wylie and Sachse’s EDCs and Murphy’s MDD share the same goal: to

strengthen their city by bringing in desirable new businesses and retaining and growing existing businesses.

In addition to working for their individual city, the Directors are keenly aware that strong neighbors create a strong trade area, which makes each of their cities more appealing to businesses.

“New businesses look at our neighbors because potential employees and consumers will come from our trade area,” Satterwhite said.

“It’s important that we work together and keep our region strong.”

“What happens in Wylie and Murphy benefits Sachse and vice versa,” he explained. “We travel each other’s roads, adding to the traffic counts, and we spend money in each other’s cities. We’re not alone.”

Roberts said, “Our three communities serve as complementary pieces of a mutually beneficial location.” Vigil describes it as a “regional partnership.”

employment opportunities. That means a lot for those out of work or trying to work closer to home.

Also, the above investment represents additional tax dollars paid to the City and WISD,” he added.

Satterwhite pointed out that the community doubled its population over a seven year period, which created a significant amount of debt due to cost to expand the local infrastructure (water, sewer, roads, and schools) with that debt increasing the tax rate.

“For the foreseeable future we will strive to maintain the tax rate and then work to reduce it,” he said. “This Board takes its charge from the citizens of promoting business development very seriously and every decision that is made takes that charge into account. Further, giving back to the community through volunteerism is also a personal priority of staff and every Board member.”

EDC Success = Strong Cities Successful EDC projects completed by each city have contributed to a strong Wylie-Sachse-Murphy trade area.

Wylie EDC

“A city must never lose sight of the importance of being perceived as a ‘pro business’ community,” Satterwhite said. “An EDC alone cannot accomplish this but must be ingrained in the actions of the City, school district, and Chamber of Commerce. The EDC may be the ‘face’ of business devel-

opment but without all partners working together your ability to succeed is hampered significantly. Fortunately in Wylie, we have a City Council and a School Board that is united on economic development issues.”

“In 2011, the WEDC completed a 95,000 square foot industrial project which resulted in a $17.5 million investment and will provide 120 new jobs. During the first quarter of 2012 the WEDC will be involved in securing $50 million in new investment through the attraction of a theatre, groceryanchored shopping center, and medical offices,” Satterwhite said.

“The above projects represent approximately 250 full and part-time

Sachse EDC

“I see the SEDC as being the business development arm of the City,” Vigil said. “The City’s operations involve attending to the health, safety and welfare issues of the citizens, while the SEDC focuses on increasing the tax base, helping to provide retail opportunities and jobs, while endeavoring to maintain the quality of life the residents want for the community. “ Steak Kountry restaurant’s renovation was one of the most recent local home town partnerships. SEDC shared costs with Steak Kountry’s owner to improve landscaping, the parking lot and to make improvements to the facade.

As part of the SEDC’s sign grant program for local businesses, Steak Kountry also got a new sign. New signs can be seen on businesses up and down Hwy. 78 in Sachse. The sign and beautification programs were put in place by the board of directors to support the local businesses. continued...

www.wyliechamber.org • 11

Vigil implemented joint meetings of the Sachse Chamber of Commerce and the SEDC so they can work together on projects and share resources.

One of those projects was Sachse Day, a day when developers, retailers and realtors were given information about Sachse’s development opportunities. The event was the kick-off to let businesses know that “Sachse is Open for Business.”

The opening of the President George Bush Tollroad through Sachse and the announcement of Walmart (152,000 square feet and 200 new jobs) coming to town, has generated a lot of interest in the city from new businesses and industries.

“We have put together marketing materials that are being distributed throughout the United States to let retailers and others know about the opportunities in Sachse,” Vigil said.

He pointed out that Sachse, and the surrounding trade area, have demographics attractive to businesses: the stability of young, educated, affluent families is the market that businesses and retailers need.

“Our recent Retail Trade Analysis showed a $1 billion leakage – that’s a lot of potential dollars for businesses that decide to open in Sachse,” Vigil said.

Murphy MDD

Murphy is in the process of changing over from an EDC to a Municipal Development District.

“The MDD gives us the platform upon which to build in creativity, ingenuity and originality,” Roberts said. “Our City is unique, and unlike cities with larger footprints we have a chance to create an economic development solution that is customized to our current business mix as well as to a potential retail, wholesale and service combination. Staff is looking at innovative and original recruitment and retention solutions that are centered on our City’s strengths.”

While the MDD design is still in development by City Council, the Economic Development department is hard at work.

Earlier this month they presented, to Council and local businesses, a marketing program for Murphy businesses administered by the Economic Development department. It includes online marketing components as well as buy and eat local programs. The online program is underway; staff is working with Murphy businesses to get them registered, build their directory listing and begin using tools to send out coupons and special offers via email.

Buy and eat local programs are under development and include a receipt turn-in program and Munch in Murphy dining dollars.

Murphy Marketplace (the 48-acre shopping and dining destination on the northeast corner of FM 544 and Murphy Road) and BoomerJack’s Grill & Bar were two successful projects under the former EDC. Last fall, it was announced that Walmart would be building a Supercenter in Murphy, on the northwest corner of FM 544 and Murphy Road. Michaels is planning to open in the Murphy Marketplace this summer.

“We have some great things in the works and 2012 is going to bring a lot of development activity and dirt moving in Murphy!” Roberts said. • 12 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

Wylie Eye Center A Day in the Life of Wylie Eye Center

E

very day we see patients of all ages for comprehensive eye examinations to evaluate for glasses and contact lenses as well as to assess the health of their eyes for conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye, amblyopia in children, in addition to hundreds of other conditions that can affect your vision and health.

We fit standard as well as specialty contact lenses. Patients who may benefit from these specialty contact lenses have conditions such as Keratoconus or have had prior ocular surgery. We also enjoy helping patients with contacts who have both distance and near visual demands. As technology evolves we are able to use better multifocal lenses to find the best balance between distance and near sight.

We will see patients who come in with pink eye. Pink eye is a general term and may be caused by bacteria, a virus, allergy, or dry eye. We evaluate the condition to make a determination on treatment based on the cause. We then thoroughly educate our patients on the condition, the treatment and follow up.

We have all of the necessary state-of-the-art equipment to both diagnose and treat glaucoma. We follow our glaucoma patients regularly as we monitor for change or progression of the disease. With our equipment we can detect the slightest bit of change and respond with treatment in order to preserve vision and prevent vision loss.

We also monitor our diabetic patients closely. In many cases our diabetic patients will be required to have a dilated retinal examination to evaluate for any diabetic retinal changes on a yearly basis. We evaluate all our diabetic patients with retinal photography and communicate back

• Comprehensive Eye Examination • Treatment of Eye Infections and Dry Eye • Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma • LASIK Evaluations and Management • Contact Lens Fitting for All Ages • Gas Permeable Contact Lens Specialist

to their primary care physician or endocrinologist with any changes or concerns.

Our optical is stocked with both high end fashionable lines and budget friendly selections. Some of these lines include Maui Jim, Oakley, Ray Ban, Gucci, Juicy Couture, Bebe, a dedicated titanium line for the lightest weight frames available and a dedicated rimless line. We utilize the best ophthalmic lens technology to provide lenses with the best optics. Most importantly, Dr. Anderson and Dr. Parks work individually with each patient, as do our opticians, to find the best visual solution for our patients given daily tasks.

This may involve specific computer lenses or specially tinted golf lenses. In all cases, based on our work environment and visual demands, we all have different needs. Working to make your life easier gives Dr. Anderson and Parks the greatest job satisfaction.

Wylie Eye Center, TSO is a full-service eye care facility located in Historic Downtown Wylie. We accept most vision and medical insurance plans. Call us at 972-429-9090 to schedule your appointment. We are open Monday through Friday and every first and third Saturday.

As this new year begins, we wish you all a happy and healthy 2012!

Dr. Anderson’s New Years Resolution: “As my husband and I are expecting our first little one in February, my resolution is to be the best mom and wife I can be. We hope he is happy, healthy and grows up appreciating the important things in life: faith, family and serving others.”

Dr. Parks’ New Years Resolution: “One of my favorite quotes is ‘If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy’! Knowing that, and settling into the new office closer to home, I have resolved to balance my time with my family, my work and my community.” •

(972)429-9090 www.TSO.com 117 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie www.wyliechamber.org • 13

469-814-0080 dclark@clarkbkt.com

www.clarkbkt.com

Danny L. Clark, CIA CGAP

Clark Bookkeeping and Tax Service is family-owned and operated right here in Plano, TX. Because we are a small firm, you benefit by receiving highly professional and personal service. We specialize in QuickBooks accounting solutions.

As a Certified ProAdvisor, we are provided with the software, support, information, and resources necessary to give you outstanding professional service and support.

Other companies may offer similar services, but our services are the best, and come with a personal touch.

Income Tax Planning and Preparation Preparation of individual taxes Tax planning for individuals Preparation of business tax returns Business tax planning

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Design or assess internal controls Design and update policies, procedures, and desktop reference books Perform internal audits

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Bookkeeping Services Write-up services Remote access Phone consultation Training Payroll services

Quickbook Setup Services Advise on software selection Perform complete software installation and setup Perform conversions from other accounting software

Bring this coupon and get

5% Off Preparation of Individual or Business Tax Returns Offer expires April 1, 2012 14 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

Dance Company of Wylie is a thriving business in the community of Wylie in its 5th year. Known for its logo, the dancing flame, this year is deemed its “Fiery Fifth” as the dancers prepare for their recital on June 16th. DCW, the first and highest awarded Competitive Dance studio in Wylie, has represented our community in a variety of competitions and conventions including Starpower, CoDance, Encore, Synergy, Dance Showcase U.S.A., Showbiz, Starquest, Adrenaline, and NUVO.

Who We Are

Dance

Nikki Wintters, the proud owner and director of DCW, began dancing as a small child at her local dance studio and continued to dance throughout her life.

Nikki worked side by side with Dr. Annie Spell, child psychology specialist, and Beverly Spell (Leap N Learn, Milton, LA); immersing herself in the inner workings of the young child, focusing on their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Jenn Kaiser, MFA Artistic Director, has an extensive background in dance that began at the young age of three. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree in 2008, and served as Assistant Artistic Director of Dallas Dance Company. She taught at Texas Woman’s University and was an adjunct professor at Richland College.

Company of Wylie

800 Vanesa, Ste. A Wylie, TX 75098

972-429-0700

Our Staff

Almost all staff at DCW has a college degree or is endeavoring towards one; of those staff members degreed, three hold degrees in dance from accredited colleges. The teaching staff is rich in experience and has each competed in dance on some level. Sharing a passion for teaching young students to love the art of dance is the common bond. All DCW students are given the opportunity to understand what it means to truly dance, with technique, and grace.

Then and Now

Dance Company of Wylie began as a tiny one-studio facility with 60 dancers and four teachers located in one end of what is now Bouncetown on Park St. Today it is a bustling three-studio facility with more than 400 students, 15 faculty members, and five successful performance/competition teams. Today the newly remodeled facility has lifted floors made of birch plywood on foam, topped with Marley, to provide a safer dance floor for all students. Each room is equipped with a camera hard wired to a mounted TV in the lobby to provide parents an opportunity to see what their dancer is learning that day.

Emma Kay Clay & Dacy Reuscher

Our Future

2012 Tiny 1, Tiny 2, Mini, Junior & Teen Company Teams

Spring is competition season! DCW Company Teams will be representing us at several competitions in the area during March and April. The studio, as a whole, is full of eager learning young boys and girls that are also preparing for their performance at our “Fiery 5th” Recital, June 16th at the Eisemann Center in Richardson.

This April, DCW will hold open auditions for a new season of Company Teams. This summer we will have our 5 week summer session July 2nd - Aug. 3rd. Fall season will begin shortly afterwards on Aug. 27th! You can get more information and register online at www.dancecompanyofwylie.com. Don’t wait classes fill very quickly!! •

www.DanceCompanyOfWylie.com

www.wyliechamber.org • 15

16 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

Ballard School of Performing Arts Marching to the Beat of the Community’s Drum

W

hen Rob Hunter and his wife Debbie decided to retire from Chicago to Wylie, it wasn’t so they could sit idly and watch the world go by. It was to pursue their passion for music.

“I originally intended to go to Dallas to continue my singing career,” Rob said. “When I saw how parents were so supportive of their children’s choice for music, I wanted to be right in the ‘thick of it,’ and instead decided to open a music store in Historic Downtown Wylie.”

One year later, in 2006, they opened Ballard School of Performing Arts, offering music, voice and dance lessons.

“Our main focus is to use music to change lives,” Rob said.

“Music is a way to bring people out of their shells and to interact with those around them. I feel that extracurricular positive social interaction strengthens communities at the grass roots level. Through this interaction we are more equipped to tackle the effects of global problems on our local society.”

Music has always been a part of Rob’s life. He’s been performing since he was five-years-old. In addition to singing, he plays piano, guitar, woodwinds and percussion.

After getting his Fine Arts degree, Rob worked at the Veterans Administration for 29 years. He then came to Wylie, which presented him with a new way of life and a new focus. Rob and Debbie are changing lives, one music lover at a time!

Since opening six years ago, more than 500 children have taken lessons through the School of Performing Arts. This year, there are more than 200 students.

“We feel so blessed to be able to bring music to people’s lives,” Rob said. “We appreciate the support we’ve received from parents, the schools, the city and the whole community.”

Ballard Music’s newest program is bringing karaoke to families and seniors through the Wylie Recreation Center. “It’s great fun!” he said. “I hope we see a lot of families and seniors out there, relaxing and having a good time.”

He and Debbie strongly believe in being active in and supporting the community, especially for children, seniors and veterans.

They participate in nearly all the Wylie community events, and are members of the Downtown Wylie Merchants Association as well as the Wylie, Sachse, Murphy and Lavon Chambers of Commerce.

Rob and Debbie are members of the First Baptist Church of Wylie and Debbie is on the Wylie Historical Society board of directors.

Through their Searching for a Star Foundation, Rob and Debbie have provided more than $25,000 in scholarships and donations to the Fine Arts departments in public schools.

The next Searching for a Star competition begins this spring.

“I always get so excited to see the great talent that comes out for Searching for a Star!” Rob said. “They come from as far away as Fort Worth and San Antonio just for the contest. Can you imagine that?”

What’s easy to imagine is how a heart as big as Texas has, through music, touched the lives of so many in our communities. •

Rob Hunter

Visit Ballard School of Performing Art’s website at www.BallardMusic. com for information about lessons, karaoke and the music store. For more information on Searching for a Star, visit www.searchingforastar.org - or call us at 972-429-0047. www.wyliechamber.org • 17

Gateway to Growth Growing together with the community

All in the family

When you walk in the doors of Gateway Community Church, it feels like you’re walking into a big hug. It’s not that it’s small and cozy; in fact, there’s a high ceiling and openness in the design of the one-year-old building. It’s more the subtle lighting and yes, the spirit of many warm and sincere greetings for all who enter.

“Our people are so friendly and open. They really create a welcoming environment where everyone feels loved,” Dr. Blake Switzer, Pastor of Gateway Community Church said.

“It’s a big part of why we can be focused and Bible-centered in what we do.”

Lynn Malson has attended Gateway for two years. He said what first drew him to the church was that, “First and foremost, the church staff is ‘down to earth,’ just good people.” What keeps him coming back is the people, the message and the music. Lynn is part Shawn & Dr. Blake Switzer of the dynamic Worship Team, bringing voices and instruments together to sing praise to God. “Our Worship Team, led by Jud Hardage, is a vital artery of Gateway,” Pastor Switzer said. “Oftentimes they’ll participate in Wylie’s community events, like Boo on Ballard, pouring out their hearts through song.”

Music is part of Gateway’s contemporary worship style, along with sermons that are culturally relevant – and often entertaining. “We like to say we’re a fun place to get serious about God,” Pastor Switzer said. “The message doesn’t change; the truth of the Bible doesn’t change.

What I try to do is relate it to everyday life and show how you can practically apply the messages.”

Shawn Switzer, Pastor Switzer’s wife, said many people say they feel the sermons are directed right Dr. Blake Switzer, Michael Lusk, to them. “It’s amazing how Cassey Chapman & Jud Hardage Pastor Blake’s sermons hit me right where I am every Sunday,” said Robin Messer, a Gateway member for the past 9 years. “Sometimes I think he’s been reading my mail.”

Gateway’s church community is filled with young families who are growing together spiritually. “Our youth and student programs are very active, and our men’s and women’s ministries help keep our church community connected even as we grow in numbers,” Mrs. Switzer said.

After initially meeting at a local daycare center eleven years ago, Gateway met at different Wylie elementary schools before beginning the year-long project of building their own facilities in late 2009. The first service in the new building, in front of Rita Smith Elementary on Country Club Road (FM 1378), was held October 2010.

“It’s amazing how our church community has expanded since moving into the new building,” said Mrs. Switzer. “And now we have so many more opportunities to serve our neighbors!”

Gateway is now the home of Elijah’s Place, a ministry to children with special needs. “We believe that all children deserve to hear about the love of Jesus and to be discipled on a level they can understand,” said Cassey Chapman, Gateway’s Children’s Minister.

18 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

Community outreach Community service projects are numerous, led by the church’s ministries, youth programs and home Bible study groups. Gateway has been a steady supporter of the Wylie Christian Care Center for many years.

Like many Gateway members, Pastor Switzer is active in the community, beginning his third year on the Wylie Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

“We named it Gateway Community Church because we felt a strong community is the heart and soul of a strong church community. Getting involved is a way to ensure the right kind of growth. It’s been wonderful to watch our church and the community grow together,” Pastor Switzer said.

As much as they’ve impacted the community, Gateway has touched their membership even more. “I have never been so blessed at a church in my life,” Lynn Malson said.

Gateway Community Church holds services at 9:30 and 11 a.m. every Sunday. For more information, visit their website at GatewayOnline.org. •

Kids love Gateway!

PARKER ROAD VETERINARY HOSPITAL 27 Years of Dedicated & Caring Service to Wylie and the Surrounding Area

FULL SERVICE MEDICAL & SURGICAL CARE

It’s Cold & Flu Season

501 Woodbridge Parkway Wylie, Texas 75098

www.pawylie.com

• IN HOUSE COGGINS LABORATORY • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

NEW FACILITY COMING SOON!

Painting commissioned thru Wylie Art Gallery

5000+sq.ft. Hospital Facility

One mile north of Downtown Wylie 2nd Veterinary Hospital on Parker Rd. (Next to the Water Tower) Parker Rd. Park Blvd.

Water Tower

FM 544

Brown St.

Parker Rd. Vet. Hosp.

Ballard St.

972-442-2300

SMALL ANIMALS & HORSES

FM 1378

• Get your flu shot • Wash your hands • Cover your cough or sneeze • Call us for all of your child’s health care needs

y 78

Hw

N

Dr. Kerin

Dr. Abraham

Dr. Wallis

www.parkerroadvet.com

707 Parker Rd • Wylie • 972-442-6523 www.wyliechamber.org • 19

FEBRUARY EVENTS

Feb. 4th, Mar. 3rd & 31st - Wetland Canoe Trail at Heard Natural Science

Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary from 1 - 4 p.m. Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology. After a safety and canoeing introduction, spend about 40 minutes on a guided trail around the Heard wetlands, then free paddle time to explore on your own. www.heardmuseum.org.

Feb. 11th

- HeartChase - Wylie, TX benefiting The American Heart Association.

Challenges and puzzles send your heart racing. Think of the around-town excitement from shows like The Amazing RaceTM meets wacky team-based games like Minute-to-Win-ItTM. And when you combine awesome games, friendly competition, and a very important mission, you’ve got great fun with a purpose. The HeartChase event brings friends and neighbors together in a competition to solve puzzles and complete challenges in a race to see who can earn the most points before the game ends. At the First Baptist Wylie Event Center, 200 N. Ballard Ave. 2-5 players per team, $40 registration fee. Player check in at 9 a.m., games start promptly at 10 a.m. Go to http://honor.americanheart.org/wylieheartchase to register, donate or sponsor the event.

Feb. 18th

- The Texas Tenors with Hector Guzman and the Plano Symphony Orchestra. The Texas Tenors became the “#1 Vocal Group in the history of America’s Got Talent” with over 100 million people watching the world over. In the past year, The Texas Tenors have performed over 150 concerts with such organizations as the Van Cliburn Foundation, The Royal Theatre of Scotland, the MGM Grand Foxwoods, the Houston Symphony and countless others. Performance at 8:15 p.m. at the Eisemann Center. www. planosymphony.org for ticket info. 972-473-7262.

Feb. 25th - 2nd Annual Black History Celebration - Sponsored by Heaven’s Journey Fellowship Church. 7 p.m. at Waterbrook Bible Fellowship, 507 Thomas Street, Wylie, Texas. Performances: “A Mother’s Nightmare”, Kingz Kidz & Crusaders for Christ, MLK:OBAMA Dialogue, Remembering the Past - Celebrating the Future, Zero Gravity. If you are interested in being a part of this history-making event, please contact Chris Rush at (214) 402-1772 or info@heavensjourneyfellowship.org before Friday, Feb. 10th.

Feb. 26th - Put on your boots and kick up your heels for the Annual Survivor Birthday

Celebration for Relay For Life of Wylie/Sachse/Murphy from 2 - 4 p.m. with dance lessons

by Majestic Ballroom. Hosted and sponsored by The Party Barn, 2555 West FM Road 544, Wylie, across from Wylie High School. For more info. contact Geree Hayes at RFL.WSM. SurvivorChair@gmail.com

MARCH EVENTS

Mar. 1st - 3rd - Wylie Women’s League Prom Dreams Event - We collect formal dresses, shoes, purses, costume jewelry though out the year. (Any donations are greatly appreciated) Wylie and Wylie East High School girls can show their school ID and are allowed entry at the Birmingham House, 301 N. Ballard Ave., Wylie. There is no charge to the girls. Contact president - Cathy Hanson at 972-442-7495. You can drop any donations off at the Taste of Home in downtown Wylie. Mar. 1 and Mar. 2 (Thurs./Fri.) from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Mar. 3 (Sat) from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. www.wyliewl.org

Mar. 3rd - City of Murphy Community Center Grand Opening at 10 a.m. The Center is located at 205 N. Murphy Rd.

Mar. 12th - 16th - Spring Break!

Mar. 12th - Owl Prowl Night Hike & Live Owls at Heard Natural Science Museum &

Wildlife Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. Experience a truly unforgettable opportunity to see a “Rare Owls of Texas” presentation. Afterwards, get the chance to listen for owls on our 289-acre wildlife sanctuary during the hour+ long night hike. Our fearless trail guides will lead you on an adventure in which owls hooting, coyotes howling and strange rustlings in the brush are wonderful possibilities. Pre-registration is required. www.heardmuseum.org

Mar. 17th

- Dave Ramsey Live Simulcast - “Take Control of Your Money” at the First Baptist Wylie Event Center, 200 N. Ballard Ave. from 11:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sign up at www.fbcwylie.org or on Dave Ramsey web site. $39.00 fee, registration is requested.

Contact Rhonda Logsdon at 972-345-0054 for more info.

Mar. 21st - 24th - Wylie FFA and 4H Show and Sale at FO Birmingham Ag Facilities.

Mar. 24th - Wylie ISD Education Foundation Boots ‘n Barbecue Gala, Southfork, 6:30 p.m. Visit wisdfoundation.org for more info.

Mar. 31st

- Wylie Women’s League Annual Easter Egg Hunt in Olde City Park, downtown Wylie at 10 a.m. The Easter Bunny will arrive on a Wylie Fire Truck. Open to all children ages 1 to 6. Free event.

Mar. 31st - City of Sachse Easter Egg Scramble for children ages 2-10. Come and

see the Easter Bunny who will hide candy and special “prize” eggs for three age categories: 2 to 4; 5 to 7; and 8 to 10 years of age. 10 a.m. at Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Dr., Sachse.

(Rain location: Sachse Christian Church Family Life Center, 5005 Ben Davis Rd., Sachse.)

Mar. 31st - City of Sachse Doggie Bone Hunt. Bring your dog out for doggie treats,

prizes, and a great time. Dogs will be divided based on weight and will be required to be on a leash at all times. Contests include: best dressed and cutest. Take a picture of your pet with the Easter Bunny. 7:30 p.m. at Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Dr., Sachse.

Mar. 31st - City of Sachse Flashlight Egg Hunt. You’re never too old to hunt for

eggs. We’ve made it challenging by adding a twist. Grab your flashlight, make sure it has fresh batteries, and come join the fun in the dark. Search for eggs stuffed with candy. Find the Golden Egg and win a special prize. Ages 5-13 may hunt eggs. 8:15 p.m. at Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Dr., Sachse.

20 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

WYLIE’S RITA AND TRUETT SMITH PUBLIC LIBRARY EVENTS Located at 300 Country Club Rd., Bldg. 300, Wylie 972-516-6250

Story Times: Family Storytime (all ages): Tues. at 6:00 p.m.

Toddler Time (ages 1-2): Wed. at 9:00 & 9:45 a.m.; Fri. at 11:30 a.m.

Big Kid Storytime (ages 3-5): Wed. at 10:30 & 11:15 a.m. & Thur. at 1:30 p.m.

Babies & Books (ages 0-1): Fri. at 11:00 a.m.

Teen Read S’more: Feb. 1st - 28th

Warm up winter blahs with hot reads and a good cause. For every three hours read plus items donated for the Wylie Animal Shelter, you will receive one entry in the drawing for books and other goodies. Registration is required. Entry forms may be picked up starting Feb. 1st. Deadline for forms and donations is Feb. 28th at 5 p.m. See the website or entry form for complete details and descriptions of items needed. Wrap party Feb. 28th at 6 p.m. with real s’mores and other treats. Winner’s names will be drawn at the party. You need not be present to win, but we hope you can join us.

Chocolate Tasting for Teens: Feb. 14 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Come celebrate Valentine’s Day by testing your sweet tooth and sampling various chocolates. There will be trivia and prizes. All 6th – 12th graders are welcome.

Wagging Tales: Feb. 7, 14 & 21 & Mar. 6, 20 & 27 - 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.

Beginning readers are invited to practice their reading skills with Abby the Collie. Abby is a Delta Society trained pet partner and will be in the Storytime Room. Tickets are required and are given out free on a first come, first serve basis on the afternoon of the program.

Abby’s Birthday Celebration: Feb. 28 from 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.

Join us in the Storytime Room for canines, cake and crafts! Abby, our Wagging Tales star, is turning 6 and we are throwing a party in her honor. All ages are welcome.

Friends of the Library Meeting: Feb. 16 & Mar. 15 at 6 p.m.

The Friends of the Smith Public Library meet in the Conference Room.

4th Monday Book Club: 6:30 p.m.

The 4th Monday Book Club (ages 18 and up) will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss this month’s book selection.

Feb. 27th - Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay.

Mar. 26th - Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie.

BeTween Book Club: Feb. 23rd & Mar. 29 at 6 p.m.

Never judge a book by its movie. 4th and 5th graders are invited to discuss different books that have movie adaptations. The first 25 kids to sign up will get a free copy of the book courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Feb. 23rd - Call the library at 972-516-6250 for more info.

Mar. 29th - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Booked on Fridays: Noon - 1:30 p.m.

Second Friday each month (ages 18 and up) Bring your lunch and drop in each second Friday of the month between noon and 1:30 p.m. for fun reads and light conversation.

Feb. 10th - Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs, Mar. 9th - A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.

GED Classes: Feb. 7, 14 & 21 and Mar. 6, 20 & 27 - 5 - 8 p.m.

Classes will meet every Tuesday through May, following the same holiday schedule as Wylie ISD. All classes will be held in the Conference Room and no registration is required.

My Very Own Book Club: Feb. 15th from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Meets every 3rd Wednesday. 1st, 2nd & 3rd graders are encouraged to read the book on their own time and then come to the meeting for discussion and a craft. The first 20 kids to sign up at the Children’s Desk will get a free copy of this month’s book selection.

Feb. 15th - My Monster Mama Loves Me So by Laura Leuck. Sign up beginning Jan. 19.

Mar. 21st - Chicks and Salsa by Aaron Reynolds. Sign up beginning Feb. 16.

Computer Classes – Held Weekly: Computer classes including Word, Excel, Basics of Computers and more are offered weekly in the Computer Lab. Classes are free, registration is required. Registration opens two weeks prior to the start of each class. For more info. and/or to register visit the Help Desk, call 972-516-6250 option 3 or email libraryclasses@wylietexas.gov.

Teen Tech Week Events: Mar. 5, 6 & 8 from 5 - 7 p.m.

Mar. 5th: Come participate in a rock band battle, put those skills to the test.

Mar. 6th: Help us put those old computers to use by learning to make fun and easy crafts.

Mar. 8th: Want to learn how robots are built and how they work? Join us for this hands-on program and watch your creation come to life.

The Hunger Games: Mar. 13 at 3 - 5 p.m.

6th-12th graders join us to celebrate the opening of The Hunger Games. Come dressed as your favorite Hunger Games character. Food (capitol style); Games (none to the death); Prizes (you don’t get to live in the Victor’s Village). Sign up in the Teen Room, space is limited.

English Conversation Club: Mon. at 6:30 p.m. & Wed. at 11:30 a.m.

Mon: March 12, 19 & 26 at 6:30 p.m. & Wed: March 14, 21 & 28 at 11:30 a.m.

Practice speaking English in a casual, small group setting. Participants must already read and write English. Registration is required. Contact the Adult Services Dept. for more info.

SACHSE’S SENIOR CENTER EVENTS CHAMBER of COMMERCE EVENTS Located at 3815 Sachse Rd., Building A, Sachse 972-495-6282

Special Events

Feb. 7th: AARP Taxaide (Free tax preparation) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is first come, first served. Every Tuesday through April 10.

Feb. 20th: AARP safe driving class 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call and make a reservation, then pay the instructor that day. AARP members $12 – non-members $14. Get an auto insurance discount with this class certificate.

Feb. 29th: Trip to Helen Rice Jonquil Gardens near Gladewater, TX. $5.00 trip fee. Make a reservation, bus seats are limited.

FREE Ladies Self Defense Class Saturday, Feb. 18th & Mar. 17th 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

A Community Service offered by Wylie Karate 1234 Parker Rd., Wylie

214-293-8057 wyliekarate.com Call to reserve a spot, space is limited.

Submit Your Event to the Calendar!

To submit your community event to the APRIL/MAY calendar send an e-mail to theconnection.anne@mac.com no later than March 15th. Please include contact name, date(s), time(s), location, a publishable phone number, e-mail and/or web site for information. Only events that are open to the public (no “members only” events) are eligible, as space permits. THANKS!

WYLIE

www.wyliechamber.org

972-442-2804

Monthly Luncheons: 4th Tues. of the month at 11:30. Check the chamber website for details on location. Make reservations online at www.wyliechamber.org.

Feb. 28th - State of the City presentation by Eric Hogue, Mayor of Wylie.

Mar. 27th - State of the Chamber presentation by Mike Agnew, Chamber President.

Every Wednesday Business Card Exchange:

Network and promote your business from 8 - 9 a.m. at Woodbridge Golf Course club house, 7400 Country Club Dr., Wylie. Chamber members and non-members welcome.

SACHSE

www.sachsechamber.com

972-496-1212

Monthly Luncheons: 2nd Tues. of the month from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Northplace

Church, 2709 3rd Street, Sachse. $15 - Members, $20 - Non-members. Register & pay online.

March 2nd - Sachse Chamber Awards Banquet at the Hyatt Place Garland, 6 p.m. Cocktail Hour, 7 p.m. Dinner & Awards. Business Attire, $50/ticket. Sponsorship Opportunities Available. Contact the Chamber Office at 972.496.1212 or visit www.sachsechamber.com for details.

MURPHY

murphychamber.org

972-805-3749

Monthly Luncheons: 3rd Tues. of the month. NEW LOCATION: Murphy Activity

Center, 201 North Murphy Rd. (across from City Hall, in the former Murphy Fitness Center building). Doors open at 11:30 a.m., buffet line opens at 11:45 a.m., speakers present at noon & meeting adjourns at 1 p.m. R.S.V.P. by 11:59 a.m. the Friday before the luncheon to receive the special member rate of $15. After noon on Friday, cost is $20 for everyone. Go to www.murphychamber.org/payment.php to prepay or call 972-805-3749 for reservations.

Mar. 31st - Spring Fever Event, sponsored by Murphy Family Dentistry. Fun All Around carnival games, bounce houses, music, video game trailer and many other fun activities from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in the Lowe’s Parking Lot at Murphy Marketplace: Get Fit Murphy Health Fair - Check your heart, blood pressure and more; Taste of Murphy - Local restaurants serving up signature dishes; Murphy International - Multicultural dance segment featuring local dance clubs; Curb Appeal - Home Improvements, Landscaping Ideas and Home Values; Artisans Boutique - Featured Artisans and Home-Based Businesses; Vendor Fair - Meet local area business owners; Searching for a Star - Performances by previous winners.

Every Thursday Business Card Exchange: Join the Murphy Chamber of Commerce for a Business Card Exchange from 8 - 9 a.m. at Saxbys in Murphy Marketplace, 227 E FM 544, (north side of FM 544, next to Tokyo Hayaci). Open to members and non-members. •

www.wyliechamber.org • 21

WHY JEANIE? Her Proven Sales Success #1 in pre-owned home sales in Sachse 3 years running!

•

On average, my listings sell for 98% of list price.

•

2008 Realtor of the Year at Lake Cities Association of REALTORS

•

2008 Spirit of Sachse Award Recipient

•

Graduate of Real Estate Institute

•

2009 Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society Production Award

•

#9 in individual production out of 375 at Coldwell Banker Apex, REALTORS

•

Certified Home Marketing Specialist

•

Accredited Buyers Representative

Is Your House Zombie Proof!?!

In a recent real estate magazine, Realtors were asked what they were most afraid of regarding our market and the answers were quite profound; financing hurdles, unhappy sellers, not enough leads but there was one answer that almost made me bust a gut…..ZOMBIES!! A week later, I see a blog posting about a house in Poland that is zombie proof… by the way, the house is just plain cool.

I think we need to come up with our own list of how to make sure we don’t become Zombie’s in our own homes. Did you know that almost half of accidental deaths occur at home? The top causes are poison, falls, electric shocks and fires. Home accidents are responsible for more fatal injuries nationwide every year than from workplace and automobile accidents combined! YIKES! So, how do you protect yourself from the coming zombie apocalypse?

Zombie proof your home by:

• properly storing pesticides, paint products and cleaning supplies, • not using electrical appliances while standing in water, • not placing electrical appliances near the bath or shower, • not placing electric heaters near combustible materials, • using a step stool with a hand rail, • making sure step stools are fully opened and steady before climbing aboard, • and securing rugs with skid pads.

Last but definitely not least, make sure that you have your emergency kit prepped and ready!

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

JEANIE MARTEN Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors 4908 Maple Shade Ave. • Sachse, TX 75048

972-588-8363 • www.jeaniemarten.com

The Davidson Group - YOUR Mortgage Experts Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people will ever make. Deciding which professionals to work with can be the difference between celebrating your new home - or not. We are a dedicated group of mortgage professionals who will be with you through each step, and we’ll be there to celebrate the milestone of a new home with you. We are committed to our clients to “Never Close Late or Ugly” - Let our expertise, knowledge and experience work for YOU!

★ Specializing in FHA, VA, Texas Vet and USDA ★ Linda ranks in the Top 50 Loan Officers in the Nation in FHA Purchase Units Nationwide ★ Go To Team in Texas for VA, TX Vet and USDA ★ Voted #1 Area Mortgage Lender For the Past 13 Years!

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

2011

Linda Davidson - NMLS# 226135 Service First Mortgage - NMLS# 166487

LINDA DAVIDSON Senior Loan Officer/DE Underwriter ldavidson@servicefirstmtg.com

BEST

972-278-3400

www.davidsongroup.net

www.wyliechamber.org • 23

Attorney Aaron Miller has made Wylie the home of his main office since 2010. A resident of Murphy, Aaron feels moving his office to Wylie is one of the best professional decisions he has made. On January 1, 2012, Aaron, along with his Client Services Coordinator, Nedra Catale and paralegal, Jimmy Hanks relocated their office to the Lawyer’s Title building.

“Wylie has great people and a lot of folks who really need our help, and I couldn’t see moving the office anywhere else,” Aaron said. The Miller Law Firm, PLLC focuses exclusively on Elder Law and Estate planning.

When asked about “Elder Law,” Aaron said, “Elder Law is a relatively new area of law. It focuses on a wide range of areas, but includes helping our senior parents figure out how they can qualify for certain government benefits, including Veteran’s benefits and Medicaid for nursing home care.” Although helping seniors is a passion of Aaron’s, his firm also helps families just starting out who want to make sure their children are protected if the unexpected happens, as well as people of retirement age who want to create or update their wills and other documents.

Aaron charges a flat fee for his work which means no hourly billing, and there is no fee for the initial consultation.

“Call us today to see if we can help.”

Aaron Miller Attorney

Call to reserve your seat at one of our free, informative estate planning workshops in Wylie.

Two Convenient Office Locations Wylie Office

Plano Office

250 S. Hwy. 78 101 E. Park Blvd., Suite 600 Wylie, Texas 75098 Plano, Texas 75074 (Principal Office) (By Appointment Only)

(214) 292-4225

appointment@aaronmillerlaw.com

www.aaronmillerlaw.com 24 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

ESTATE PLANNING • • • • • •

Wills Trusts Powers of Attorney Family Legacy Appointment of Guardians Healthcare Documents

ELDER LAW • • • • • • • •

Asset Protection Medicaid Planning Medicaid Applications Veterans Benefits (A&A) Lady Bird Deeds Miller Trusts Asset Preservation Planning for Disability

WYLIE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. “Serving You Since 1898” JOHN YEAGER, CIC Standing left to right: Erica Baylor, John Yeager, Debbie Cooper Seated left to right: Kylie Reising, Cathy Jonson

Check with us for all your insurance needs.

✔AUTO ✔LIFE ✔BUSINESS ✔HOMEOWNERS Wylie Insurance Agency is Wylie’s oldest business, almost as old as the city itself! Established in 1898, it has occupied several different locations. The agency has been at it’s current location, 201 Calloway, since 1985.

John Yeager, owner, purchased the agency in 1973 from long-time residents Rita and Truett Smith. He is a graduate of the University of North Texas and holds the Certified Insurance Counselor professional designation. He is married to Patty Kreymer Yeager and they have two daughters, Kylie and Kamber, both graduates of the University of North Texas. Kylie is employed at the agency and Kamber is a CPA with Interphase Corporation in Plano. The agency staff consist of five employees that are very professional and knowledgeable to serve it’s growing list of clients. All employees are licensed insurance professionals and have completed numerous hours of continuing education classes to keep them current on an ever changing business.

Wylie Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency, which means they offer you a choice of insurance companies. Several different companies are represented that offer different options. All are A rated for financial strength and service. Many agents only represent a single company and cannot offer alternatives. A partial list of property-casualty companies represented include Travelers, Safeco, State Auto, Kemper, Progressive and Union Standard. Life-health companies include Blue Cross, Aetna, United Healthcare, Humana and Cigna.

The agency primarily serves the Wylie area, but also serves the DFW metroplex and the remainder of the state.

John Yeager would welcome the opportunity to serve you and let us show you what exceptional service is all about.

If it’s homeowners, auto, business, life and health, or any other insurance, give us a try.

201 Calloway P.O. Box 40 • Wylie, TX 75098 Fax: (972)442-3885 Email: info@wylieinsurance.com

(972)442-3505

Highest Standards of Professional Service

www.WylieInsurance.com www.wyliechamber.org • 25

KICKING BACK

Solid Values Form Core of Wylie Karate’s Program

N

ow in its fifteenth year, Wylie Karate operates out of the 2,100+ square-foot martial arts studio on their Wylie property located on Parker Road. Owners Dennis and DeeDee Sukut have taught martial arts for more than 27 years.

“I really enjoy working with kids and teaching them self-discipline and focus, while pursuing a sport,” Dennis said. “I’m still in contact with some of my first students from 27 years ago; we have a really strong bond with our students.”

Instructors at Wylie Karate worked their way up through the belt ranks in Dennis and DeeDee’s martial arts classes. “I know what kind of instructors they are because we taught them,” Dennis said. “They have the values we strive to impart.”

The cornerstones of Wylie Karate’s after school karate classes are what Dennis and DeeDee call the ABC’s of life: Attitude, Behavior and Character. During training, they emphasize sportsmanship, self-discipline and focus. Dennis notes “the kids know where we stand and that they can trust us to be consistent.”

“We have a structured program here. In our after school classes, we give the kids time to make the transition from school to karate classes and once we say it’s time for class to start, they are on the mat and ready to train,” Dennis said.

In addition to adult, teen and children’s classes, Dennis and DeeDee teach a free women’s self-defense class on the third Saturday of each month. In these classes, women learn how to avoid dangerous situations and what to do if they encounter a dangerous situation.

In their martial arts program, Dennis and DeeDee teach selfdefense as a form of self-discipline and art. Their students do not participate in sport-karate competitions or fights.

“Our philosophy is that tournament fighting can promote aggression in confident children and ruin self esteem in shy and reserved children,” Dennis said.

“The true art of Karate was intended for self-defense, not fighting in tournaments.”

The martial art practiced at Wylie Karate is called Seidokan.

It is a Shorin-ryu style of Okinawan Karate. Wylie Karate is affiliated with Ryukoku Seidokan Karate Kobudo Renmei in Okinawa, Japan. Dennis is a 6th Degree Black Belt and DeeDee is a 4th Degree Black Belt.

“In Okinawa, solid black belts are not awarded until a student is 17-years-old,” he said. “You can earn a junior black belt, the Shodan ho, at an earlier age when students understand that true martial arts are intended for self defense and are not a game.”

26 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

For student safety the training studio has a full gymnastics floor, including thick padding for cushioning the rolling and falling that comes with their style of martial arts.

“We feel so blessed. We love where we live, we love what we do and we’re so fortunate to be able to say that. To have our martial arts studio and use it to help raise kids with good, solid values, and self protection skills - that means the world to us.” Dennis said. “I can’t imagine anything I’d rather do.” • For more information about Wylie Karate’s adult and children’s classes, after school karate and summer karate sports day camp, visit their website at WylieKarate.com or phone 214-293-8057. You can also reach them by emailing info@wyliekarate.com.

214-293-8057 1234 Parker Rd., Wylie, TX

www.WylieKarate.com

FOOT PA I N Relief is finally here!

Eyebrow Waxing

Art Nails Professional Nail Care for Women & Men

972.429.6315

401-C Hwy. 78 N., Wylie

Wylie Foot & Ankle Specialists

Dr. Will Arrington Dr. Joe Morgan

972-288-9034

600 Cooper Drive, Suite 100 Wylie, TX 75098

Mon-Fri: 9:30am - 8pm Saturday: 9am - 8pm Sunday: 12 noon - 6pm Walk-Ins Welcome

www.ArtNailsWylie.com

H AV E YO U T R I E D U S Y E T ?

7 2009 We Gladly Accept

www.wyliechamber.org • 27

www.WylieAttorney.com

The Law Office Of Deborah L. Matern, Pc Family Law • Divorce • Child Support • Custody

A and sometimes they don’t. If I had my way, everyone

nd they lived happily ever after...

would live happily ever after and I would need to find a new career. However, my own personal and professional experience has shown that marriage, and parenting, are harder than the fairy tales lead us to believe.

If you find yourself at the point where salvaging the relationship is no longer an option, or you need to modify or enforce a previous court order, I will lead you through the not-so-user-friendly process.

My philosophy is that it can be civil, and it should be.

If it is, we work together to get the best result. On the other hand, if it is not civil, I am prepared to fight for you, and your children, as well as assist you in making difficult decisions in the midst of an emotional storm.

My approach is all inclusive. Together, we will look at many options, always considering the goal and the cost.

While I hope you never need me, I am here if you do.

My primary area of practice is Family Law. Family law includes: divorce, child support, visitation, modification and enforcement of child support and visitation orders. Additional areas of service include business services such as the creation of Corporations and LLCs. My commitment to anyone seeking my expertise is to assist you in finding the help you need, whether it is with me personally, or within my network of trusted and respected colleagues.

972-442-5700

dmatern@wylieattorney.com 405 S. Birmingham St., Wylie, TX 75098

Wylie Trails Master Plan Public Input Meeting Monday, February 27, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

Wylie Municipal Complex - City Hall - Council Chambers 300 Country Club #100, Wylie, Texas 75098 This meeting will be an opportunity for residents to provide input on the Wylie Trails Master Plan. The plan is being conducted by the consultants Land Design Partners and Bowman/Melton. This input meeting will be held prior to the regular Parks and Recreation Board meeting.

For more information please call 972-516-6340 or email parks@wylietexas.gov www.wyliechamber.org • 29

30 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

FREE ESTIMATES

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Call Herb or Verna Whitaker at

972-670-9749

Wylie Printing &

Office Supply Professional Full Service Printer & Complete Business Service Center • • • •

Competitive Pricing on Color Printing Copier Service up to 36” Signs and Banners Computer Repair

• Mowing, Edging, Line Trimming & Blowing • Basic or Complete Year-Round Service Program - Weekly or By-Weekly • Flower Beds & Gardens - Mulch Installation • Tree & Shrub Trimming • Spring & Fall Clean-Ups • Licensed & Insured • Locally Owned & Operated

NO JOB’S TO SMALL!

Coupon Expires 3/31/12

972-442-2111 Public Fax: 972-442-1882

www.wylieprinting.com graphics@wylieprinting.com

www.DiscoverWylie.com

300 S. Hwy 78, Ste. 100, Wylie

Step Away From Foot Pain • Diabetic Care • Flat Feet • Foot Drop • Fractures • Fungal Toenails • Gait Evaluation • Ganglion Cysts • Geriatric Foot Care • Gout • Hammertoes • Heel Pain/Spurs • Infections

• Ingrown Toenails • Injuries • Limb Length Discrepencies • Neuromas • Neuropathy • Plantar Fasciitis • Poor Circulation • Warts • Wounds

North Star Foot & Ankle Associates, P.A. www.northstarfoot.com

972-480-0072 Fax: 972-480-0073

MEDICARE & MOST INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED 3600 North Star Rd., Suite 140, Richardson

By Walgreens at Renner & North Star

UNINSURED PATIENTS

• Achilles Tendon • Ankle Instability • Ankle Sprains • Arch Pain • Arthritis of the Foot & Ankle • Athlete’s Foot • Bunions • Burns • Charcot Arthropathy • Corns & Calluses • Custom-Made Orthotics

$40 OFF Your Initial Visit

Includes Consultation & Complete Examination North Star Foot & Ankle Associates Richardson • 972-480-0072 With this coupon. No cash value. Not valid with other offers.

Offer expires 3/31/2012

www.wyliechamber.org • 31

www.rickshomestore.com

Rick’s Home Store Rustic Furniture & Accessories Rick has been Dallas’ “Bed Man” since 1982, and in 2007 he opened Rick’s Home Store in historic downtown Wylie. Rick’s idea was to take his philosophy of sales and service, and use it to create a home-grown rustic furniture store to serve Wylie and the surrounding communities.

In addition to Rick’s quality selection of mattresses, memory foam, and waterbeds, the Home Store features beautiful rustic furniture and Texas accessories. Rick’s Home Store is thriving in its 5th year of business thanks to the continued support of the Wylie community.

“We truly appreciate all of our customers and the community of Wylie for making this a great place to call home. Rick has access to all types of furniture available for quick pick up or delivery. And of course, a complete line of rustic furniture, dining, home office, and entertainment, kids beds, patio, leather and micro fiber living room furniture.”

Fun stuff from Kim’s Kollection includes purses, belts, crosses, candles, cowhide rugs, Twisted Pepper products, and blinged out flip flops!

“If it’s Texas, we’ve got it!!!” •

972-575-8855 102-A N. Ballard Ave. 32 •32The CONNECTION • February/March 20122012 • The CONNECTION •February/March

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSES

Wylie, TX 75098

$200 OFF

Any King or Queen Size Memory Foam Mattress Set Rick’s Home Store

Exp. 3/31/12

MEMBER

SHOP WYLIE FIRST!

Look Younger - Feel Younger - Live Younger

Tues-Thurs: 10am-6pm Fri-Sat: 10am-5pm

YOGA Belly Dancing Fitness Boot Camp Fun Phatt Friday

the crafter’s co-op THE place to buy and sell crafts

Want to change the way you age?

Contact Charlotte at 214•282•9058

✿ A place where crafters will realize more in profits than expenses

121 N. Ballard Ave., Downtown Wylie

www.emeraldlotus.com

✿ A place where God-given talents are showcased in specially crafted gifts for your shopping pleasure

re DESIGN in 90

✿ A place for quality gifts at affordable prices

What do YOU want in the next 90 days?

Lose Weight! Look Younger! Feel Younger! A breakthrough genetic approach to anti-aging Be Naturally Healthier!

Make YOUR choice and begin your 90 day challenge.

✿ A fun gathering place so don’t miss it!!!

972-429-3500

Nu Skin and Pharmanex antiaging products & supplements Anti-oxidant Scanning Weight Management “The Difference Demonstrated” Call for an appointment

201 N. Ballard St. Suite 101 Wylie, TX 75098

Guaranteed results with our reDESIGN in 90 program DO YOU BELIEVE? IT’S YOUR TURN... YOUR TIME... YOUR YEAR!

On Facebook at The Crafter’s Co-op

Call Charlotte Rose at 214-282-9058 or visit www.AgeLessAtAnyAge.com for reDESIGN in 90 events.

www.WylieArtGallery.com

3 Levels of Tanning Beds Open 7 Days a Week UV Free Mystic Tan No Contracts

Tues - Sat 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

LLC

Call or Email to

s Register Today! lassees C p.m. g 0 n g i 3 a : t 2 W .p.m. ain ew OilhPArtist Anyd-r 11:30 a.maturdays 1-3

S Wit y Tuesda sses n–ly $20 214.693.9518 a l C Ever o s en’ sses are r d l i wylieartgallery@yahoo.com Ch Art Cla All 201 N. Ballard Ave., Ste. 100, Wylie

VotedbyBest of Wylie!!

Wylie News readers Best Chicken Fried Steak

SUN LOUNGE TANNING STUDIO

972-941-8181

www.sunloungewylie.com 120 N. Ballard Ave. • Wylie

Monday-Friday

Lunch Special - $5.99 (Includes Entree with 2 Vegetables)

Open 7 Days a Week!!

Mon. thru Sat. - 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday - 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Best Breakfast Best Home Cooking NEW OWNERS: Ronnie & Linda McGranahan

www.the350project.net

972-442-0453

112 N. Ballard Ave. in Downtown Wylie

www.BallardStreetCafe.com

SHOP LOCAL!

Shop Wylie’s Downtown Merchants

ageLESS at any AGE

www.wyliechamber.org • 33 www.discoverwylie.com

CONNECTION Chamber of Commerce

Welcome New Chamber Members! www.wyliechamber.org 250 S. Hwy. 78 Wylie, TX 75098 972-442-2804

murphychamber.org Lockhart Lawn William Lockhart 214-675-1054

McDonald’s Elise Kirkland Elise.kirkland@us.mcd.com

SERV-ALL Tracy Blankenship 972-442-9999

Art & Soul Orville and Cindy Lockaby Artsoulol@yahoo.com

My360Live.com Alex Acuña 214-728-9907 My360Live.com

Farm & Home Casualty Jeff Buckley jeff@farmnhome.com

TheGreenHomeMakeover.com Jimothy Whisnant 972-480-4058 thegreenhomemakeover.com Gay, McCall, Isaacks, Gordon & Roberts, P.C. Jennifer Edmondson 972-424-8501 ntexas-attorneys.com The Sterling Insurance Group Teresa Kitchens 972-964-4825 Citipointe Church Rev. Gary Taylor 972-442-9111 www.citipointe.org B.H. Electric Soheil Ighani (214)336-3190 Ascend Custom Extrusions, LLC Jamey Rentfrow 972-442-7200 www.ascendextrusions.com My Kid’s Dentist Melissa Allen mykidsdentistonline.com

Scentsy Deborah Dennis Independent Consultant 972-467-4678 The Full Spectrum Hair Salon Ruth Ononogbu 972-509-1565 Best Quality Plumbing Chuck Ononogbu 214-664-8090 bestqualityplumbing.net

Congratulations to all of our Wylie Chamber of Commerce Award Winners!

Small Business of the Year - Nutrition Revolution

Large Business of the Year - Baylor Medical Center of Garland

Ambassadors of the Year - Billy & Judy Roark, Republic Alarm

Citizen of the Year - Jane Henry, Coldwell Banker

34 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

120 E. FM 544 Ste. 72 PMB 157 Murphy, TX 75094 972-805-3749

Legal Service Plans LegalShield Julie Fundling 972-571-1709 www.juliefundling.com Medical & Wellness Center of Murphy Gnana Sumathia Naini, M.D. 972-422-0505 Linda S. Lechlitner, CPA PLLP 972-442-4484 www.lechlitnercpa.com Distinctive Dental Concepts of Firewheel Curt Conrad, DDS 972-494-0004 www.ddctx.com EMS Barcode Solutions, LLC Eric Sutter 972-535-5555 www.emsbarcode.com Recon Pest Control Pete Moore 469-766-5007 www.reconpestcontrol.com Gold Trade Jeremy Siau 972-442-0395 goldtradellc.com Collin County Cardiology, P.A. Dr. Ramarao Lankipalli 972-596-5522 Juice Plus+ Kristi Meenan and Michele Dixon 214-870-6333 www.kmeenanjuiceplus.com

Treatment/Management of All Eye Conditions and Disorders

SACHSE FAMILY EYE CLINIC, PLLC The biggest difference is we care, You’ll SEE

(972)675-9626

COMPLETE $69. 00

The first eye clinic in Sachse, proudly serving Sachse and the surrounding communities since 2001.

EYEGLASSES

(Some restrictions apply)

With the mention of this ad. (Expires 3/31/2012)

One Hour Eyeglass Service Free Adjustments and Cleanings Spanish/Vietnamese Speaking Staff

We are happy to explain your Vision or Medical Insurance.

e>

yli W To

SACHSE

Audio Flex Benny Smith and Joey Blaylock 972-424-4000 www.audioflex.net

Fontana’s Italian Bistro Dennis Fontana 972-429-3700 FontanasPizzaPasta.com

Ann Cogburn Custom Drapery Inc. Ann Cogburn 972-495-7779 www.custom-draperies.com

Health Center for Women Dr. Deanah A Jibril 972-867-4880 MyFemaleOB.com

Avon Store Florentina Rodriguez 214-356-0906 frodrigu.avonrepresentative.com

MartinasWeb.com Martina Kolmeder 972-897-0155 Martinasweb.com

Action Coach Trey Finley 972.979.3761 www.actioncoach.com/treyfinley

Capital Protection Insurance Services Eva Melendez 214-223-7369 CapitalProtectionInsurance.com

My360Live Alex Acuña 214-728-9907 My360Live.com

Murray Senior Care Homes Frankie Murray 469-222-1152 www.murrayseniorcarehomes.com

Choice Heating and A/C Inc. J.D. Matthews 972-771-9750 ChoiceHeatingandAC.com

Rockin Royalty Baby Boutique Morgan Sandlin 903-456-6858

Southern Goodness Catering Charlene Foster 214-289-5126 www.cateringbycharlene.com

Do It All Plumbing Norman Bundrant 469-487-9209 DoItAllPlumbing.us

Websites-N-More Randall Lechlitner 214-212-7869 Websitesnmore.com

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Ben Davis Rd.

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5001 Ben Davis Rd. • Sachse, TX 75048

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sachseeyes.com

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Visit Sachse Family Eye Clinic or sachseeyes.com where YOU are treated like FAMILY.

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www.sachsechamber.com 2924 5th Street Sachse, Texas 75048 972-496-1212

Lone Star Carpet Cleaning Kevin Brenny (214) 317-3975 lonestarcarpetcleaning.com www.wyliechamber.org • 35

Hey all you slackers and over achievers out there!

Craig Cosgrove, owner of Goodfella’s Pizza in St. Paul, has opened a new restaurant just around the corner.

Slackers Grill features classic All American style dishes such as burgers (including a veggie one), hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, wraps, salads and fries, as well as appetizers that include fried jalapenos & onion strips, onion rings, fried pickle spears, jalapeno poppers and chicken quesadillas. If you are in the mood for wings you

can choose from buffalo, cajun, sweet teriyaki and golden bbq sauces.

There are special burger combos available for kids (1/4 lb. burger with small fry & drink), slackers (1/4 lb. burger, fries & drink) and super slackers (1/2 lb. burger, fries & drink)! If, after polishing off all of that, you still have a craving for something sweet you can order a milk shake, cheesecake or ice-cream sandwich.

The atmosphere is sports themed and bright, customer service is feisty (especially if Craig is in a mood!), and the food is great! The big flat screen TV in the front dining room makes this a great place to hang out and watch the game while having lunch or dinner.

Slackers Grill is conveniently located at 2260 Country Club Ln., Suite 105, in Wylie, just south of Parker Rd. across from Rita Smith Elementary School. They are open Tuesday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. •

NOW OPEN! 2260 Country Club Ln., Suite 105 Us r Let r You ! te Ca arty!

P

PIZZA & SUBS 972-941-8168 2260 FM 1378 (Country Club Rd.) St. Paul, TX

SUBS! PASTA! PIZZA! SALAD!

WE SUPPORT THE WYLIE PIRATES AHMO!

Pick Up Special Large 1 Topping Pizza $9.99 Expires 3/31/2012

We Deliver - $15 Minimum - Limited Area 36 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

A Full Service Lawn Company Know who is in your backyard!

214-763-8855 Tiry Williams - Owner Local Sachse Resident

www.WilliamsLawns.com

Family Owned & Operated in Wide Awake Wylie Since 1986

www.firestonecompleteautocare.com

972-941-8370

HARGRAVE CUSTOM FOUNDATION REPAIR

2961 W. FM 544

Next to Collins Bros. Jeep in Wylie

completely

unbeatable service.

• Steel Pipe Piers - Provide Trouble-Free Stability for the Lifetime of Your Home

• Drainage Correction • Lifetime Transferrable Warranty • Fully Insured & Bonded Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau Member of Foundation Repair Association

M-F: 7am-7pm, Sat: 7am-7pm, Sun: 9am-6pm

Standard Oil Change

Wheel Alignment

Install new oil filter, refill up to 5 quarts Kendall® synthetic blend motor oil

Inspect steering and suspension, align to manufacturer’s specifications

10OFF

$

Most vehicles. Save off regular price.

Call for a FREE Estimate

972-442-5000

www.HargraveCustomFoundationRepair.com

2961 W. FM 544 Wylie, TX

See store for complete description and details.

Redeem this coupon at your participating Firestone Complete Auto Care store. Not to be combined with another offer on same product or service and not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value.

Offer void where prohibited.

Shop fees in the amount of 6% of labor charges will be added to invoices greater than $30. These fees will not exceed $30 and represent costs and profits. Shop fees not applicable in CA or NY.

Expires 3/31/12

15OFF

$

Most vehicles. Save off regular price.

2961 W. FM 544 Wylie, TX

See store for complete description and details.

Redeem this coupon at your participating Firestone Complete Auto Care store. Not to be combined with another offer on same product or service and not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. No cash value.

Offer void where prohibited.

Shop fees in the amount of 6% of labor charges will be added to invoices greater than $30. These fees will not exceed $30 and represent costs and profits. Shop fees not applicable in CA or NY.

Expires 3/31/12

www.wyliechamber.org • 37

“What Condition Is Your Air Condition In?” D’s Enterprise is Wylie’s premier air condition and heating contractor. They are family owned and operated, always taking pride in the personal and professional quality service they offer.

The goal at D’s Enterprise is to provide quality service and products to both their Residential and Commercial clients. You can expect honest, timely, personal and professional quality service every time you call. They stand behind their work and guarantee your satisfaction.

D’s can service or repair almost ALL brands, makes and models. Denis says “Almost all HVAC units can be repaired.” They have trained technicians to evaluate your system and inform you of your air condition’s condition.

This allows you to make an educated decision.

D’s Enterprise is fully licensed and insured.

TACLB28049E

Free Report Reveals …

-

The 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing a Heating & Cooling Contractor The 3 Simple Ways to Save Money On Your Next Contracting Job The 5 Costly Misconceptions About Heating & Cooling How To Avoid The 7 Most Common Contractor Rip-Offs How To Tell Good Contracting From Bad And More!

Call TODAY!! For your FREE Report and our FREE Booklet,

“The 7 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Picking A Contractor And How to Avoid Them.”

PO Box 278 - Wylie, TX 75098

dsairandheat.com facebook.com/dsairandheat

972-897-7994 D’s Enterprise Air Condition & Heating Owners Denis & Theresa Ory

38 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

SoccerTots & Lil Sluggers We Make Learning Sports Skills Fun!

Gary Crandall was an electrical engineer with Texas Instruments when he was transferred to Texas in the mid 70s. After the computer memory downturn in 2001, Gary made the decision to stay in the Murphy area for work. He started SoccerTots to pursue his love for sports, especially soccer, and kids. Gary’s four children have all played division 1 or 2 soccer in the area.

“I loved watching my kids play back then, and now I love watching my customers’ kids play,” he exclaims!

SoccerTots is for children ages 18 months to 5 years, SoccerTouch Jr. is for ages 6 to 8, and SoccerTouch is for ages 9 to 12. The programs give young kids the chance to learn Soccer, practice dribbling and kicking, have fun, expel energy and develop their motor skills. A kids to coaches ratio of 9:1 is maintained to keep classes small.

Skills are developed using a technique known as guided discovery. The beauty and genius of SoccerTots exists on several levels. Most importantly, the kids are having obvious fun but they are also working on developing soccer and motor skills.

The kids are learning skills and they don’t even know it. Gary says the recipe to keeping the kids constantly interested is to have many different drills that are all fun and coaches that are passionate about what they are doing. “I love to hear the kids say to me ‘What game is next, Coach?” Crandall says they have over 80 games for their curriculum and add new games each year.

After six successful years of SoccerTots, Gary brought Lil Sluggers to the area to complement SoccerTots in 2008. Lil Sluggers is based on the principles of giving kids, ages 2-5, the chance to have fun, expel energy and develop their motor skills all the while developing their baseball skills. Kids are broken into age groups and the curriculum varies accordingly. There are no more than six kids in each class.

Lil Sluggers is a curriculum based program that teaches how to properly throw, field, base run and hit in the 12 week session.

Each week the games set focus on a different skill. Towards the end class, the kids worked on their hitting. “It’s the favorite part of every class for the kids and the easiest thing for them to pick up,” said Gary.

We are located in The Wylie Sports Training Center, an indoor baseball/soccer arena, at 702 N. Hwy. 78 (behind NAPA Auto Parts at the intersection of Brown and Hwy. 78), in Wylie. •

Wylie Grand Opening Sunday, February 19th 2 - 5 p.m.

Free Demo Games!

Come Register for 25% off our 12 Week Spring Session and get a Free SoccerTots Soccer Ball or Lil Sluggers Baseball Hat

www.soccertotsdallas.com www.lilsluggersdallas.com

972•974•6257 www.wyliechamber.org • 39

Biofeedback & EEG Training Can Help with a Variety of Symptoms

Christy Lewis, M.S., LCSW, BCN, IM-C

W

ould you like to: Learn to approach life in a more relaxed manner and decrease anxiety? Improve your sleep patterns? Decrease impulsive behavior? Improve focus, concentration, and attention span? Complete tasks?

Biofeedback and EEG training (neurofeedback) has been around for a long time. It is a training process that allows a person to learn new skills. Biofeedback retrains the nervous and endocrine systems to reduce HBP, spastic colitis, bronchial asthma, tension headaches, and other stress symptoms. It is a process that enables an individual to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Precise instruments measure physiological activity

such as heart function, breathing, muscle tension, sweat gland activity and brain waves.

An example of an individual who might benefit from this type of therapy is one with ADD/ADHD symptoms. ADD is not a mental illness, nor is it a disease. But many individuals who suffer from behavioral issues are found to have tendencies toward depression, anxiety, antisocial behavior and substance abuse.

ADD/ADHD is characterized by areas of under-arousal in the brain which show up as excessive amounts of low frequency brainwaves which makes it difficult to concentrate long enough to accomplish a task quickly or efficiently. It is a functional disorder of the brain that can be improved with proper treatment.

There is a safe, effective non-drug method for treating ADD/ ADHD, anxiety, depression and other issues. Christy Lewis uses cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, neurofeedback, and the interactive metronome to create positive, lasting changes in adults and children diagnosed with many disorders. These nondrug methods have shown to be a safe and effective treatment as a result of over 20 years of research, clinical practice, and long term follow up.

Christy Lewis counsels individuals of all ages who need help with issues ranging from severe emotional turmoil to people who are working on taking their personal growth and/or career to a higher level. Specifically, she has extensive experience working with issues such as life/career transition, managing pain symptoms, depression, severe anxiety, relational issues, career or workplace issues, ADHD, parenting, and behavior management.

Christy Lewis is a recognized leader in the field of Neurotherapy. She is a Board Certified Neurofeedback specialist through BCIA, the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance organization. Christy holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and has counseled for a combined 15 years in several clinical and medical settings and has offered career/life coaching for an additional 11 years.

Contact Christy Lewis, M.S., LCSW, BCN, IM-C for more information on Bio/Neurofeedback at www.cbiofeedback.com or call her at 214-232-9862. Two office locations serve the Addison and Murphy areas. •

214-232-9862 www.cbiofeedback.com 40 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

The Jal Dennis Group was founded with the goal of assisting our clients in every aspect of their financial lives. We’ve provided the most personal service available, thus earning a reputation for excellence in our industry. For each of our clients we strive to help create financial stability and security to provide financial independence.

With increasingly complex financial markets and longer life expectancies, working with an investment professional is more important than ever. One of the most important decisions you can make is to seek the advice of a trusted, qualified advisor. For this important partnership, you need a trained professional who sees your total financial picture-someone who can help you define your life goals, establish the right financial plan, provide strategies focused on your needs, and help you stay on track.

When you invest with The Jal Dennis Group you can expect: • Objective guidance and advice - With access to leading independent research, we help you make informed, objective decisions.

• Investment choice and flexibility - The Jal Dennis Group does not offer any proprietary products, so we can help you choose unbiased investment products and strategies from many of the nation’s leading investment managers.

As a full-service financial consulting firm, The Jal Dennis Group provides assistance in the following areas: Investments • Bonds • Common Stock • Brokerage Accounts

• Holistic approach to life planning - No matter where you are in lifejust getting started or winding down a successful career-you have goals and dreams. Our firm engages you in an ongoing conversation about your needs, goals, and objectives to create the life plan that’s right for you.

• Government Securities

• Convenient account access - You can manage your account online anytime, day or night, from the convenience of your own home or office. In addition, easy-to-read account statements keep you informed of account activity and performance.

• Traditional IRA

• Passion for providing independent advice - The Jal Dennis Group will offer tailored strategies designed to address the needs of your life goals and financial growth. Our advisors base their success upon helping their clients by tapping into our vast resources to provide the objective advice they need.

• Roth IRA • SEP IRA • Simple IRA • Variable Annuity • Financial Planning

Retirement Planning • • • • •

Tax Plans 401(k) Planning College Plans Estate Plans Profit Sharing Plans

Insurance • Disability Income Insurance • Life Insurance • Long Term Care Insurance

Experience Matters

• An independent investment partner - We live and work in your community. Because we care as much about your personal satisfaction as the performance of your portfolio, we will serve as a true partner to help you live the life you desire.

972-429-0603 205 S. Ballard Ave. Wylie, TX 75098

www.JalDennis.com Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial.

A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

www.wyliechamber.org • 41

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Discover the lighthouse difference.

CHILDRENS LIGHTHOUSE OF WYLIE

3465 FM 544, Wylie • 972-442-3100 www.childrenslighthouse.com/wylie

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3309 Goliad, Rockwall • 972-771-3330 www.childrenslighthouse.com/rockwall

42 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

Our mission at Childrens Lighthouse is to provide safe, quality, loving care and educational services. We aspire to promote the positive development of young children in all areas of growth including social, emotional, intellectual, physical, and creative. We commit to the most comprehensive educational materials available - ABEKA. Childrens Lighthouse offers age-appropriate classrooms for optimal learning. Our ® nurturing environment is designed to foster security and happiness.

• • • • • • • • • •

character values

self-control honesty integrity friendship responsibility accountability pride positive self-esteem citizenship compassion

preschool curriculum

• language development • listening skills • identification & classification • numbers & concepts • songs, puppets & fingerplays • creative art

pre-k/kindergarten curriculum • • • • • • • • • •

literature vocabulary math readiness language arts music & puppets phonics & listening writing skills computers creative art social studies

Business CONNECTION

Small Business and Career Resources at the Wylieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smith Public Library A Small Business and Workforce Resource brought to you by the Wylie Economic Development Corporation

T

he new Small Business Center, funded by the Wylie Economic Development Corporation, is now open and available to the general public. Located in the Rita and Truett Smith Public Library, the business center offers local business owners and individuals valuable resources such as current demographic data, a reference center, audio books, career training guides, resume software, and much more. Take a minute to stop by, or visit on-line at www.wylietexas.gov/departments/library/career_and_small_business_ resources.php.

Online Resources

Job and Workplace Skills and Tests

DemographicsNow by Gale

Career Transitions by Gale

A comprehensive tool that provides highly sought after demographic data that allows prospective entrepreneurs, business owners and students building marketing plans to collect, analyze and quickly act upon that data.

Career Transitions is a self-paced application that walks jobseekers through the entire process from assessing strengths and interests, to exploring new opportunities, to ultimately improving the chances of landing a job.

ReferenceUSA

ReferenceUSA is the leading provider in business and consumer research. Offering a full-service platform, ReferenceUSA helps users create marketing plans, conduct competitive analysis, raise funds and locate people.

Small Business Reference Center

The Small Business Reference Center provides up-to-date information on relevant topics from starting a company, operations management and sales to growing or rescuing a business.

The database contains nearly 400 full-text periodicals and over 450 full-text reference books.

Learn a Test Online

Learn a Test Online offers practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, and information you need to achieve the results you want-at school, at work, or in life. A library card number is required to access this site from home.

Resume Maker

Resume Maker allows you to create a resume from scratch, import an existing resume, view videos offering suggestions on interviewing and salary negotiation, and conduct job searches.

Downloadable Audio Books

Download a wide range of business titles to your MP3 player or stream them on your computer. eBooks

View eBooks online with NetLibrary. A TexShare login is required.

Smith Public Library Photo by Craig Kelly

www.wyliechamber.org â&#x20AC;˘ 43

Community CONNECTION

Work With Your Community Organizations

American Legion Hale-Combest Post #315 Wylie, Texas meets the 2nd Saturday of

every month at 10 a.m. at East Fork Masonic Lodge, 508 Parker Rd., Wylie, Texas. For more info. contact Don Lange at 214-232-9662 or find us on Facebook at American Legion Post 315.

Christian Care Center helps those in need by

providing temporary help with food, clothes, rent, utilities, school supplies and household items. The Center receives no government assistance, is run by volunteer workers and is supported by local churches, businesses, schools, civic organizations and individuals. It’s always in need of canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, fruit and tomato products, and monetary donations. To donate or volunteer, contact the Christian Care Center at 972-442-4341.

Dyslexia Advocates of Wylie

is a Parent Support Group for parents of dyslexic children. Go to www.dyslexiaadvocatesofwylie.com for more info.

Equest provides therapeutic sports riding classes and

hippotherapy to over 200 children and adults with all types of physical, mental and emotional disabilities. For more info. call (972)412-1099 or visit www.equest.org.

Exchange Club of Murphy is a volunteer service organization for people who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships. Programs include: Child Abuse Prevention, Americanism, Community Service and Youth Activities. We meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. at Country Burger, 104 N. Murphy Rd., Ste. 210, Murphy, TX 75094. www.exchangeclubofmurphytexas.org Friends of the Sachse Library

meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Sachse Library, 3815 Sachse Road. Contact the Sachse Public Library for more details at 972-530-8966.

Garland Quilt Guild meets the 1st Tuesday of

each month at First Presbyterian Church, 930 West Avenue B, in Garland at 7 p.m. (except December) Located at the corner of 9th Street and Avenue B in Garland. For more info visit www.garlandquiltguild.com.

Genealogy Friends of Plano Libraries, Inc. presents a Free Genealogy Seminar

on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 10:15 a.m. 12:30 p.m. at the W.O. Haggard Library Program Room, 2501 Coit Road, Plano. Public is welcome. For info. visit www.GenealogyFriends.org,

In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue & Educational Center is a non-profit organization

dedicated to the rescue of exotic felines. Visit www.insyncexotics.com for more info. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 972-442-6888.

Habitat for Humanity of South Collin County,

Texas works to create partnerships to provide decent, affordable homes for deserving families while building foundations for community. For info. about how to get involved go to www.habitat-scc.org.

MOMS Club of Murphy/Sachse

is a non-profit support group for stay-at-home moms and their children. Activities include monthly meetings with guest speakers, play groups, park days, MOMS Night Out, field

44 • The CONNECTION •February/March 2012

trips and more. We participate in service projects to benefit children in the community. Please visit murphysachsemomsclub.webs.com for further info.

Moms & More all caretakers, whether you are a Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent or Nanny are welcome. We accept members from Wylie and the surrounding communities and have many activities for children and their caretakers.

We meet the 1st Thursday of the month. Contact us at Diva@wyliemomsandmore.org or for more info. go to www. wyliemomsandmore.org.

N Cupids Defense NCD is designed to help mar-

ried couples deal with various issues that arise throughout their marriage. E=MC² - Encourage and Mentor Married Couples through Christ. Visit ncupidsdefense.org or contact Teniqua Williams at info@ncupidsdefense.org for more info. and a schedule of events.

Relay for Life - Wylie/Sachse/Murphy

is the local event supporting the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer. April 27, 2012 at Shaffer Stadium in Wylie. For more info. go to www.relayforlife.org or on Facebook at Relay For Life of Wylie/Sachse/Murphy.

Sachse Historical Society

meets the 3rd Saturday of the month, 9:30 a.m., Sachse Historical Museum, 3033 6th Street. Museum is open for visitors every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and by appointment for visitors and tours, 972-495-1231. Visit www.sachsehistoricalsociety.org for more info.

Sachse Lion’s Club

meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Steak Kountry, 7010 Highway 78 in Sachse. The Lion’s Club participates in several fundraisers throughout the year, including the Sewell Elementary pancake breakfast, where half of the proceeds go back to the Sewell PTA, and the turkey leg food booth at the Sachse Fallfest. The funds raised benefit several organizations including the Blind Leader Dog program and Air Challenge, a program that takes disabled children for airplane rides. They also support the Vision Impaired Olympics summer camp for kids and assist with building Habitat for Humanity homes.

Sachse Pet Pals volunteer organization works with

Sachse Animal Control to enhance adoption rates and help with pet medical expenses on a financial need basis.

Contact Peggy Strong at 972-495-9645 for more info.

Tr ini t y Trai l Prese r vat ion Association (TTPA) is an all-volunteer

equestrian organization that maintains the 9 mile long trail on the Corps of Engineers land along Lavon Lake. TTPA networks with other trail riders, sponsors trail rides and cookouts, hosts quarterly meetings with speakers on horse-related issues, holds family type activities such as scavenger hunts on horseback, fun poker rides and educational clinics. www.trinitytrailriders.org

WASA (Wylie Advocates for Senior Activities, Inc.) Join us to promote and support the

growth of senior activities in the Wylie area. We work to raise funds to outfit the Senior Center, provide a safe and senior-friendly environment and home base for classes, meetings, lessons, fellowship and community-beneficial

activities. WASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Contact us at 972-442-1971 or wasainc34@gmail.com.

Wylie Friends of the Library meets the 3rd

Thursday of each month, 6 p.m. at the Rita and Truett Smith Public Library, 800 Thomas, in the Bluebonnet Room, 972-442-7566.

Wylie Is H.O.P.E (Helping Other People Everyday)

works to make a difference in our community by helping other people. We support the Wylie ISD school supply drive, Reach for a Star Christmas gift drive, Relay for Life of Wylie/Sachse/Murphy and other local efforts to help others. Contact us at wylieishope@yahoo.com and find us online at www.WylieIsHope.com and on Facebook at Wylie Is H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday).

Wylie Lions Club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at American National Bank in Wylie at noon.

Anyone interested in becoming a Lion is welcome to join the group for lunch. Call Ada Mooney for more info. at 972-7715551. http://thewylielionsclub.org Wylie Evening Lions Club meets the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at American National Bank in Wylie at 7 p.m. Contact Carl Bodine at 469-951-4344 for info. wylieeveninglionsclub.org Wylie Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 12 noon at the Woodbridge Country Club. Contact Bryan Brokaw: bryan.brokaw@edwardjones.com for more info.

Wylie Tea Party meets the last Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at Taste of Home, 302 N. Ballard, in historic downtown Wylie. http://75098.commonsensetexans.net Wylie Wisecrackers is a Toastmasters club serving Wylie, Sachse, Murphy, and Lavon, meets every Wednesday from 6:45 p.m. - 8 p.m. at American National Bank in Wylie: 301 S. Hwy. 78. All are welcome. Members practice effective public speaking techniques, gain valuable leadership experience, and, thus, gain personal confidence. www.wylie.freetoasthost.com.

Wylie Women’s League Meets the 1st Thursday of each month. Contact Cathy Hanson at 972-442-7495 or wyliewl@ymail.com for more info. www.wyliewl.org.

Wylie Woodworkers Club meets the 4th Thursday of every month from 7:30 - Whenever! p.m. at 2814 W. FM 544, one block east of Target. Open to all skill levels of woodworkers, come share and learn about woodworking. Bring your projects for SHOW & TELL or just show up and have fun talking about sawdust - No membership required!! Contact Scott Goldberg at (972)4424878 or email pegg@onebox.com. •

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972-429-0603 205 S. Ballard Ave. Wylie, TX 75098

www.JalDennis.com Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial.

A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.